Ronald "Ronnie" Edward Smith

Ronald "Ronnie" Edward Smith, 87, of Independence, Kansas passed away Monday, November 20, 2023 at Eagle Estates. Ronald was born on April 22, 1936 in Cherryvale, Kansas to Bennie "Ben" & Faye Smith. He was a graduate of Labette County High School, Class of 1954, and had a variety of jobs during his life. He married Margaret (Whinery) and had two children, Marilyn (Smith) Carpenter, who preceded him in death, and Timothy (Sherry) Smith of Tulsa, Oklahoma. Ronald has three grandchildren: Kimberly (Carpenter) Pitts of Oregon, Allen Carpenter of Missouri, and Amber Carpenter of North Carolina as well as three great grandchildren: Alora, Gryffin, & Mellie. Ronnie had many siblings, but he is survived by three: Charles (GeorgAnn) Smith of Cherryvale, Joyce (Frank) Garrett of Wichita, and Robert (Aileene) Smith of Cherryvale, as well as many nieces, nephews, and great nieces/nephews. 

Ronnie was quite a character. He had a wonderful sense of humor, and the best one-word description for him would probably be “ornery!” He got into plenty of mischief in his younger days and had a slew of tales to tell. He loved spending time with family, and he loved food, so family holiday gatherings were his favorite times of the year. He found great pleasure in bringing gifts to his loved ones. Ronnie even tackled smartphone technology during his golden years in order to stay connected to those he loved. He enjoyed connecting with his grandchildren and great-grandchildren by video chat since they are scattered from coast to coast. Ronnie brought many smiles and warm hearts to those around him, and he will be greatly missed by his family and friends.